John Hood on the Future of the GOP: Freedom v National Conservatism

In this episode of Do Politics Better, Brian sits down with John Hood for a candid conversation about the growing divide within conservatism — and what it could mean for the future of American elections.

They explore the tension between traditional free-market conservatism and the rise of populist, nationalist currents on the right. Is this a temporary fracture, or a lasting realignment? And how will these competing visions shape candidate recruitment, voter turnout, and party strategy in the cycles ahead?

It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking discussion about ideology, coalition building, and whether the Republican Party can hold together a movement that increasingly disagrees on what it stands for.

Then Skye and Brian unpack a busy week in North Carolina politics — diving into early voting numbers, an impressive fundraising haul by Speaker Hall, the latest Catawba College poll, key endorsements, the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, our “Tweet of the Week,” and plenty more.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.